Set connector systems for venting a fluid reservoir

ABSTRACT

A set connector system for venting a gas from a fluid reservoir of a fluid infusion device is provided. The set connector system includes a connector system having a first body section coupled to a second body section. The first body section defines a bore in communication with a chamber and a counterbore of the second body section to define a fluid flow path from the fluid reservoir. The chamber of the second body section is in fluid communication with a vent subsystem defined through the second body section. The vent subsystem terminates in an outlet, and the vent subsystem directs gas in the fluid flow path through the second body section to the outlet.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate generally to fluid infusion devices for delivering a medication fluid to the body of a user. More particularly, embodiments of the subject matter relate to set connector systems for venting a gas from a fluid reservoir of a fluid infusion device.

BACKGROUND

Certain diseases or conditions may be treated, according to modern medical techniques, by delivering a medication or other substance to the body of a user, either in a continuous manner or at particular times or time intervals within an overall time period. For example, diabetes is commonly treated by delivering defined amounts of insulin to the user at appropriate times. Some common modes of providing insulin therapy to a user include delivery of insulin through manually operated syringes and insulin pens. Other modern systems employ programmable fluid infusion devices (e.g., insulin pumps) to deliver controlled amounts of insulin to a user.

A fluid infusion device suitable for use as an insulin pump may be realized as an external device or an implantable device, which is surgically implanted into the body of the user. External fluid infusion devices include devices designed for use in a generally stationary location (for example, in a hospital or clinic), and devices configured for ambulatory or portable use (to be carried by a user). External fluid infusion devices may establish a fluid flow path from a fluid reservoir to the patient via, for example, a suitable hollow tubing. In many instances, the fluid reservoir requires filling by the patient prior to use in the external fluid infusion device. During the filling of the fluid reservoir, gas, such as air, may inadvertently become trapped in the fluid reservoir.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide set connector systems for venting a gas, such as air, from a fluid reservoir for use with a fluid infusion device. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various embodiments, provided is a set connector system for venting a gas from a fluid reservoir of a fluid infusion device. The set connector system includes a connector system having a first body section coupled to a second body section. The first body section defines a bore in communication with a chamber and a counterbore of the second body section to define a fluid flow path from the fluid reservoir. The chamber of the second body section is in fluid communication with a vent subsystem defined through the second body section. The vent subsystem terminates in an outlet, and the vent subsystem directs gas in the fluid flow path through the second body section to the outlet.

Also provided according to various embodiments is a fluid infusion device. The fluid infusion device comprises a housing that receives a fluid reservoir, and a set connector system for venting a gas from the fluid reservoir. The set connector system includes a connector system having a first body section coupled to a second body section. The first body section defines a bore. The second body section includes a counterbore that receives a portion of the fluid reservoir. The bore of the first body section and the counterbore of the second body section cooperate to define a fluid flow path from the fluid reservoir. The second body section includes a vent subsystem in communication with the fluid flow path that terminates in an outlet, and the vent subsystem directs gas in the fluid flow path to the outlet.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the subject matter may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in conjunction with the following figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the figures.

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram representation of an embodiment of a fluid delivery system according to various embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a fluid delivery system that includes a fluid infusion device having an exemplary set connector system for venting a gas from a fluid reservoir according to the various teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid infusion device of FIG. 2, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the fluid infusion device of FIG. 2, taken along line 3A-3A of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a connector system of the set connector system of FIG. 2 according to the various teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a detail cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIG. 4, taken from detail 5 of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIG. 4, taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a fluid delivery system that includes a fluid infusion device having an exemplary set connector system for venting a gas from a fluid reservoir according to the various teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a is a cross-sectional view of the fluid infusion device of FIG. 7, taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a connector system of the set connector system of FIG. 7 according to the various teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the fluid infusion device or FIG. 7, in which a portion of a housing of the fluid infusion device is illustrated in phantom; and

FIG. 10A is an exploded view of one or more rings and a sealing member associated with a housing of the fluid infusion device of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject matter or the application and uses of such embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

Certain terminology may be used in the following description for the purpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower”, “above”, and “below” could be used to refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front”, “back”, “rear”, “side”, “outboard”, and “inboard” could be used to describe the orientation and/or location of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms “first”, “second”, and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.

As used herein, the term module refers to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control component, processing logic, and/or processor device, individually or in any combination, including without limitation: application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be described herein in terms of functional and/or logical block components and various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such block components may be realized by any number of hardware, software, and/or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, an embodiment of the present disclosure may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices.

For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to signal processing, data transmission, signaling, control, and other functional aspects of the systems (and the individual operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The following description relates to a fluid infusion device of the type used to treat a medical condition of a user. The infusion device can be used for infusing fluid into the body of a user. The non-limiting examples described below relate to a medical device used to treat diabetes (more specifically, an insulin pump), although embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not so limited. Accordingly, the infused medication fluid is insulin in certain embodiments. In alternative embodiments, however, many other fluids may be administered through infusion such as, but not limited to, disease treatments, drugs to treat pulmonary hypertension, iron chelation drugs, pain medications, anti-cancer treatments, medications, vitamins, hormones, or the like. For the sake of brevity, conventional features and characteristics related to infusion system operation, insulin pump and/or infusion set operation, fluid reservoirs, and fluid syringes may not be described in detail here. Examples of infusion pumps and/or related pump drive systems used to administer insulin and other medications may be of the type described in, but not limited to: U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2009/0299290 and 2008/0269687; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,562,751; 4,678,408; 4,685,903; 5,080,653; 5,505,709; 5,097,122; 6,485,465; 6,554,798; 6,558,351; 6,659,980; 6,752,787; 6,817,990; 6,932,584; 7,621,893; 7,828,764; and 7,905,868; which are each incorporated by reference herein.

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram representation of an embodiment of a fluid delivery system 100, which can be utilized to administer a medication fluid such as insulin to a patient. The fluid delivery system 100 includes a fluid infusion device 102 (e.g., an infusion pump) and a fluid conduit assembly 104 that is coupled to, integrated with, or otherwise associated with the fluid infusion device 102. The fluid infusion device 102 includes a fluid reservoir 106 or an equivalent supply of the medication fluid to be administered. The fluid infusion device 102 is operated in a controlled manner to deliver the medication fluid to the user via the fluid conduit assembly 104. Although not depicted in FIG. 1, the fluid infusion device 102 also includes a set connector system for venting gas from the fluid reservoir 106.

The fluid infusion device 102 may be provided in any desired configuration or platform. In accordance with one non-limiting embodiment, the fluid infusion device is realized as a portable unit that can be carried or worn by the patient. In this regard, FIG. 2 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a fluid delivery system 200 that includes a portable fluid infusion device 202 and a fluid conduit assembly that takes the form of an infusion set component 204. The infusion set component 204 is coupled to the fluid infusion device 202. The fluid infusion device 202 accommodates a fluid reservoir (shown in FIG. 3) for the medication fluid to be delivered to the user.

The illustrated embodiment of the infusion set component 204 includes, without limitation: a tube 210; an infusion unit 212 coupled to the distal end of the tube 210; and a set connector system 214 coupled to the proximal end of the tube 210. The infusion set component 204 defines a fluid flow path that fluidly couples the fluid reservoir to the infusion unit 212. The fluid infusion device 202 is designed to be carried or worn by the patient, and the infusion set component 204 terminates at the infusion unit 212 such that the fluid infusion device 202 can deliver fluid to the body of the patient via the tube 210. The fluid infusion device 202 may leverage a number of conventional features, components, elements, and characteristics of existing fluid infusion devices. For example, the fluid infusion device 202 may incorporate some of the features, components, elements, and/or characteristics described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,485,465 and 7,621,893, the relevant content of which is incorporated by reference herein.

In this example, the fluid infusion device 202 includes a user interface 216 and a display 218 coupled to a housing 220. The user interface 216 includes one or more input devices 222, which can be activated by the user. The user interface 216 can be used to administer a bolus of insulin, to change therapy settings, to change user preferences, to select display features, and the like. Although not required, the illustrated embodiment of the fluid infusion device 202 includes the display 218. The display 218 can be used to present various types of information or data to the user, such as, without limitation: the current glucose level of the patient; the time; a graph or chart of the patient's glucose level versus time; device status indicators, etc. In some embodiments, the display 218 is realized as a touch screen display element and, therefore, the display 218 also serves as a user interface component.

With reference to FIG. 3, the housing 220 of the fluid infusion device 202 accommodates a power supply 224, a controller or control module 226, a drive system 228 and a fluid reservoir system 230. In certain embodiments, the housing 220 also includes a lock 232, which securely couples the fluid reservoir system 230 to the housing 220 as will be discussed in greater detail herein. Generally, the power supply 224, the control module 226 and the drive system 228 are accommodated in a pump chamber 220 a defined by the housing 220, and the fluid reservoir system 230 is accommodated in a reservoir chamber 220 b defined by the housing 220. With reference to FIG. 3A, the housing 220 also includes a vent chamber 220 c, which is defined adjacent to the reservoir chamber 220 b. As will be discussed, the vent chamber 220 c can be in fluid communication with the set connector system 214 to receive fluid, such as air, which is vented from the set connector system 214. The vent chamber 220 c is generally fluidly separated from or not in fluid communication with the pump chamber 220 a. The housing 220 can have any desired shape to accommodate the various components of the fluid infusion device 202, and thus, it will be understood that the shape and configuration of the housing 220 illustrated herein is merely exemplary.

With reference back to FIG. 3, the power supply 224 is any suitable device for supplying the fluid infusion device 202 with power, including, but not limited to, a battery. In one example, the power supply 224 can be removable relative to the housing 220; however, the power supply 224 can also be fixed within the housing 220. The control module 226 is in communication with the user interface 216, display 218, power supply 224 and drive system 228. The control module 226 controls the operation of the fluid infusion device 202 based on patient specific operating parameters. For example, the control module 226 controls the supply of power from the power supply 224 to the drive system 228 to activate the drive system 124 to dispense fluid from the fluid reservoir system 230. Further detail regarding the control of the fluid infusion device 202 can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,485,465 and 7,621,893, the relevant content of which was previously incorporated herein by reference.

The drive system 228 cooperates with the fluid reservoir system 230 to dispense the fluid from the fluid reservoir system 230. In one example, the drive system 228 includes a motor 234, a gear box 236, a drive screw 238 and a slide 240. The motor 234 receives power from the power supply 224 as controlled by the control module 226. In one example, the motor 234 is an electric motor. The motor 234 includes an output shaft 234 a. The output shaft 234 a is coupled to the gear box 236. In one embodiment, the gear box 236 is a reduction gear box. The gear box 236 includes an output shaft 236 a, which is coupled to the drive screw 238.

The drive screw 238 includes a generally cylindrical distal portion 242 and a generally cylindrical proximal portion 244. The distal portion 242 has a diameter, which can be larger than a diameter of the proximal portion 244. The distal portion 242 includes a plurality of threads 242 a. The plurality of threads 242 a are generally formed about an exterior circumference of the distal portion 242. The proximal portion 244 is generally unthreaded, and can be sized to be received within a portion of the slide 240. The proximal portion 244 can serve to align the drive screw 238 within the slide 240 during assembly, for example.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the slide 240 is substantially cylindrical and includes a distal slide end 246, a proximal slide end 248 and a plurality of threads 250. The distal slide end 246 is adjacent to the motor 234 when the slide 240 is in a first, fully retracted position and the proximal slide end 248 is adjacent to the drive screw 238 when the slide 240 is in the first, fully retracted position. The proximal slide end 248 includes a projection 252 and a shoulder 254, which cooperate with the fluid reservoir system 230 to dispense the fluid from the fluid reservoir system 230. The shoulder 254 is defined adjacent to the projection 252 and contacts a portion of the fluid reservoir system 230 to dispense fluid from the fluid reservoir system 230.

The plurality of threads 250 of the slide 240 are formed along an interior surface 240 a of the slide 240 between the distal slide end 246 and the proximal slide end 248. The plurality of threads 250 are formed so as to threadably engage the threads 242 a of the drive screw 238. Thus, the rotation of the drive screw 238 causes the linear translation of the slide 240.

In this regard, the slide 240 is generally sized such that in a first, retracted position, the motor 234, the gear box 236 and the drive screw 238 are substantially surrounded by the slide 240. The slide 240 is movable to a second, fully extended position through the operation of the motor 234. The slide 240 is also movable to a plurality of positions between the first, retracted position and the second, fully extended position via the operation of the motor 234. Generally, the operation of the motor 234 rotates the output shaft 234 a, which is coupled to the gear box 236. The gear box 236 reduces the speed and increases the torque output by the motor 234, and the output shaft 236 a of the gear box 236 rotates the drive screw 238, which moves along the threads 250 formed within the slide 240. The movement or rotation of the drive screw 238 relative to the slide 240 causes the movement or linear translation of the slide 240 within the housing 220. The forward advancement of the slide 240 (i.e. the movement of the slide 240 toward the fluid reservoir system 230) causes the fluid reservoir system 230 to dispense fluid.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the fluid reservoir system 230 includes a fluid reservoir 256 and a sealing member 258. The fluid reservoir 256 and the sealing member 258 are each received within an opening defined by the housing 220. The sealing member 258 is coupled between the fluid reservoir 256 and the set connector system 214 to prevent the ingress of fluids into the reservoir chamber 220 b of the housing 220. In one example, the sealing member 258 comprises an O-ring; however, any suitable device can be used to prevent the ingress of fluids, as known to one skilled in the art.

With reference to FIG. 3, the fluid reservoir 256 includes a body or barrel 260 and a stopper 262. The barrel 260 has a first or distal barrel end 264 and a second or proximal barrel end 266. Fluid 265 is retained within the barrel 260 between the distal barrel end 264 and the proximal barrel end 266. The distal barrel end 264 is positioned adjacent to the slide 240 when the fluid reservoir 256 is assembled in the housing 220. Generally, the distal barrel end 264 can have a substantially open perimeter or can be substantially circumferentially open such that the slide 240 is receivable within the barrel 260 through the distal barrel end 264.

The proximal barrel end 266 can have any desirable size and shape configured to mate with at least a portion of the set connector system 214, as will be discussed in further detail herein. In one example, the proximal barrel end 266 defines a passageway 266 a through which the fluid 265 flows out of the fluid reservoir 256. The passageway 266 a is closed by a septum 268. The septum 268 is received within a portion of the proximal barrel end 266, and is coupled to the proximal barrel end 266 through any suitable technique, such as ultrasonic welding, press-fit, etc. The septum 268 serves as a barrier to prevent the ingress of fluids into the fluid reservoir system 230, and prevents the egress of fluids from the fluid reservoir 256. The septum 268 is pierceable by the set connector system 214 to define a fluid flow path out of the fluid reservoir 256. In one example, the set connector system 214 includes a connector system 270, a hollow instrument or needle 272 and the tube 210. As will be discussed, the connector system 270 couples the needle 272 and the tube 210 to the fluid reservoir 256, and includes a vent subsystem 318 to vent trapped gas, such as air bubbles, which may be contained within the fluid reservoir 256, to the vent chamber 220 c (FIG. 3A). The needle 272 defines a flow path for the fluid 265 out of the fluid reservoir 256, through the connector system 270 and into the tube 210.

In one example, the housing 220 includes a retaining system 276, which couples the set connector system 214 to the fluid reservoir 256. In one example, the retaining system 276 comprises one or more threads 276 a and one or more notches (not shown). The one or more threads 276 a threadably engage corresponding threads 278 (FIG. 4) defined in the connector system 270 to couple the connector system 270 to the fluid reservoir 256.

With reference to FIG. 3, the stopper 262 is disposed within the barrel 260. The stopper 262 is movable within and relative to the barrel 260 to dispense fluid from the fluid reservoir 256. When the barrel 260 is full of fluid, the stopper 262 is adjacent to the distal barrel end 264, and the stopper 262 is movable to a position adjacent to the proximal barrel end 266 to empty the fluid from the fluid reservoir 256. In one example, the stopper 262 is substantially cylindrical, and includes a distal stopper end 277, a proximal stopper end 279, at least one friction element 280 and a counterbore 282 defined from the distal stopper end 277 to the proximal stopper end 279.

The distal stopper end 277 is open about a perimeter of the distal stopper end 277, and thus, is generally circumferentially open. The proximal stopper end 279 is closed about a perimeter of the proximal stopper end 279, and thus, is generally circumferentially closed. The proximal stopper end 279 includes a slightly conical external surface; however, the proximal stopper end 279 can be flat, convex, etc. The at least one friction element 280 is coupled to the stopper 262 about an exterior surface of the stopper 262. In one example, the at least one friction element 280 comprises two friction elements, which include, but are not limited to, O-rings. The friction elements 280 are coupled to circumferential grooves defined in the exterior surface of the stopper 262.

The counterbore 282 receives the projection 252 of the slide 240 and the movement of the slide 240 causes the shoulder 254 of the slide 240 to contact and move the stopper 262. In one example, the counterbore 282 includes threads; however, the projection 252 of the slide 240 is not threadably engaged with the stopper 262. Thus, the threads illustrated herein are merely exemplary.

With reference to FIG. 3, the set connector system 214 mates with and couples to the proximal barrel end 266 of the fluid reservoir 256, establishing the fluid path from the fluid reservoir 256 to the tube 210. The set connector system 214 is coupled to the housing 220 of the fluid infusion device 202 and to the fluid reservoir 256 to seal and secure the fluid reservoir 256 inside the housing 220. Thereafter, actuation of the fluid infusion device 202 causes the medication fluid to be expelled from the fluid reservoir 256, through the infusion set component 204, and into the body of the patient via the infusion unit 212 at the distal end of the tube 210. Accordingly, when the set connector system 214 is installed as depicted in FIG. 3, the tube 210 extends from the fluid infusion device 202 to the infusion unit 212 and the needle 272 provides a fluid pathway to the body of the patient. For the illustrated embodiment, the set connector system 214 is realized as a removable reservoir cap (or fitting) that is suitably sized and configured to accommodate replacement of fluid reservoirs (which are typically disposable) as needed.

With reference to FIG. 4, the connector system 270 of the set connector system 214 is shown in greater detail. In FIG. 4, the connector system 270 is illustrated without the tube 210 for clarity. The connector system 270 is removably coupled to the housing 220 and retains the fluid reservoir 256 within the housing 220. In this example, the connector system 270 includes a first body section 300 and a second body section 302. Each of the first body section 300 and the second body section 302 are composed of a polymeric material, such as a polycarbonate material, and the first body section 300 and the second body section 302 can each be formed through any suitable technique, such as injection molding, or 3D printing, for example. It should be noted that although the first body section 300 and the second body section 302 are illustrated as being discrete components, the first body section 300 and the second body section 302 can be integrally formed or one-piece (monolithic), if desired.

The first body section 300 includes a graspable portion 304 and defines a bore 306. The graspable portion 304 enables the manipulation of the connector system 270 by a user, to remove or insert the connector system 270, and thus the fluid reservoir 256, from the housing 220. With reference to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 provides a detail view of the cross-section of FIG. 3, in which the fluid reservoir 256, the needle 272 and the tube 210 are removed for clarity. As shown in FIG. 5, the bore 306 extends from a first end 300 a of the first body section 300 to a second end 300 b of the first body section 300. The bore 306 receives the tube 210 and the needle 272, and generally, the tube 210 is coupled adjacent to the needle 272 within the bore 306 to define the fluid flow path out of the connector system 270. The second end 300 b can also include one or more tabs 308. In this example, the second end 300 b defines two tabs 308 a having a first width and two tabs 308 b having a second width. The first width is different than the second width, and generally, the second width is less than the first width. The tabs 308 b can be defined adjacent to the bore 306, and the tabs 308 a can be spaced radially outward from the bore 306. The tabs 308 a, 308 b are each spaced apart from each other on the second end 300 b. The two tabs 308 a, 308 b are received in corresponding channels 310 a, 310 b of the second body section 302. The tabs 308 a, 308 b can be fixedly coupled to the channels 310 a, 310 b, via ultrasonic welding, adhesives, etc.

The second body section 302 is received within the housing 220, to retain the fluid reservoir 256 (FIG. 3) within the housing 220. The second body section 302 has a plane of symmetry 303. With reference back to FIG. 4, the second body section 302 is generally annular, and includes a first end 312, a sidewall 314, a second end 316 and a vent subsystem 318. The first end 312 defines the channels 310 a, 310 b, and also includes an annular chamber 320. The channels 310 a, 310 b and the annular chamber 320 may be defined by common walls 312 a, which extend outwardly from a surface of the first end 312. With reference to FIG. 5, the annular chamber 320 extends from the first end 312 to a counterbore 322 of the second end 316. The annular chamber 320 is coaxial with the bore 306, and is coaxial with the counterbore 322 to receive the needle 272 therethrough to define the fluid flow path from the fluid reservoir 256 to the tube 210 (FIG. 3). Generally, the bore 306, the annular chamber 320 and the counterbore 322 extend along an axis that defines a longitudinal axis 321 of the connector system 270.

In various embodiments, the annular chamber 320 also receives a filter 324. In one example, the needle 272 terminates adjacent to the filter 324, such that the needle 272 and the tube 210 are on opposite sides of the filter 324 to ensure that the fluid exiting the fluid reservoir 256 flows through the filter 324 (FIG. 3). In one example, a minimum volume of the annular chamber 320 is about 0.7 microliters (mL). Generally, the annular chamber 320 has a height that enables the needle 272 to be received within the annular chamber 320 without piercing the filter 324. The annular chamber 320 can be sterilized prior to the insertion of the filter 324, and further, the annular chamber 320 can be plasma treated to increase hydrophilicity, if desired.

The filter 324 comprises a gas trapping filter, and is formed from a suitable material, composition, or element such that the medication fluid can easily pass through the filter 324 during fluid delivery operations. The filter 324 can be formed from a hydrophilic, semi-hydrophilic, partially hydrophilic, or predominantly hydrophilic material. Although a truly hydrophilic material may be ideal, the material used for the filter 324 can be partially or predominantly hydrophilic while exhibiting some amount of hydrophobicity. In practice, the filter 324 can exhibit up to fifty percent hydrophobicity without adversely impacting the desired performance. For example, the filter 324 may include or be fabricated from a hydrophilic membrane, a hydrophilic sponge material, or a hydrophilic foam material. As explained below, the filter 324 also serves to filter particulates from the medication fluid during fluid delivery operations. Accordingly, the filter 324 has a pore size that is small enough to inhibit the flow of particulates. In certain embodiments, the pore size is within the range of about 0.45 to 5.00 microns, which is suitable for most medical applications. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials for the filter 324 include: polyacrylate; polyurethane; nylon; cellulose acetate; polyvinyl alcohol; polyethelene foam; polyvinyl acetate; polyester fiber felt; polyester (PET); polysulfone; polyethyl sulfone; collagen; polycaprolactone; or the like. It should be appreciated that the material or materials used to fabricate the filter 324 can be treated to enhance the hydrophilic characteristics if so desired.

One function of the filter 324 is to inhibit the downstream flow of air bubbles. Depending on the particular composition and configuration of the filter 324, air bubbles can be blocked by the filter 324 and/or retained within the filter 324 as the liquid medication flows downstream. Thus, the filter 324 may be realized as a gas impermeable membrane or material that also exhibits good hydrophilic properties. Accordingly, no air bubbles are present in the medication fluid that resides downstream from the filter 324.

Another benefit of the filter 324 relates to the volume accuracy of the fluid delivery system. In certain implementations, syringe pumps are calibrated to deliver a specified volume in response to a controlled mechanical actuation (e.g., movement of the syringe plunger in response to controlled rotation of an electric motor). Reducing or eliminating air from the fluid delivery path increases the accuracy of the volume calibrations.

In certain embodiments, the filter 324 also serves to filter particulates from the medication fluid such that the particulate count of the downstream medication fluid is reduced. As mentioned above, the material used to fabricate the filter 324 can be selected with a desired pore size to accommodate filtering of particulates having an expected size.

In some embodiments, the filter 324 also serves to absorb and/or adsorb certain substances, chemicals, or suspended elements from the medication fluid. For example, the filter 324 may include material that is configured or treated to absorb/adsorb lubricating or manufacturing oil that is associated with the manufacturing, assembly, or maintenance of one or more components of the fluid reservoir system 230. In this regard, a fluid reservoir for insulin can be fabricated with a trace amount of silicone oil that serves as a lubricant for the plunger of the fluid reservoir 256. Accordingly, the filter 324 can include a material, layer, or treatment that reduces, traps, or otherwise removes some or all of the silicone oil from the medication fluid as it passes through the filter 324.

In certain embodiments, the filter 324 also serves as a drug depot during operation of the fluid delivery system. To this end, the filter 324 can include a drug, medicine, chemical, or composition impregnated therein (or coated thereon, or otherwise carried by the filter 324). A quantity of the drug is released into the medication fluid as the fluid flows through the filter 324 during a fluid delivery operation. The drug carried by the filter 324 can be selected to address the needs of the particular patient, fluid delivery system, medication fluid, etc. In accordance with the exemplary insulin infusion system described here, the filter 324 is impregnated with a drug that treats the patient site to extend the useful life of the fluid infusion set. For example, the filter 324 can be treated with an anticoagulant such as Heparin or Dextran. As another example, the filter 324 can be impregnated or infused with an anti-proliferative drug such as Rapamycin. It should be appreciated that these examples are neither exhaustive nor restrictive, and that the filter 324 can be impregnated, treated, or infused with any drug that may be appropriate and suitable for the particular medical condition, fluid delivery system, or application. Generally, the gas trapped by the filter 324 (e.g. air bubbles) is vented from the connector system 270 to the vent chamber 220 c (FIG. 3A) by the vent subsystem 318, as will be discussed further herein.

With reference back to FIG. 4, the sidewall 314 extends about the perimeter or circumference of the second body section 302. The sidewall 314 includes a pair of arms 326, the threads 278 and a lock receptacle 328. The arms 326 are substantially opposite each other about the sidewall 314. The arms 326 are generally integrally formed with the sidewall 314, and include a living hinge that biases the arms 326 in a direction away from the sidewall 314. Stated another way, each of the arms 326 are defined so as to be biased radially outward from the second body section 302. The engagement of the second body section 302 with the housing 220 causes the compression of the arms 326, until the arms 326 expand and engage a respective pocket (not shown) defined in the reservoir chamber 220 b of the housing 220. Thus, in this example, the arms 326 cooperate with the lock 232 to secure the second body section 302 to the housing 220. Generally, the arms 326 also provide tactile feedback that the connector system 270 is threaded fully into the housing 220.

The threads 278 are defined about a portion of the sidewall 314, so as to be adjacent to the second end 316. In this example, the threads 278 comprise two threads; however, any number of threads can be employed to couple the connector system 270 to the housing 220. In this example, each of the threads 278 defines an outlet 330. The outlet 330 is in fluid communication with the vent subsystem 318 and is in fluid communication with the vent chamber 220 c to vent the gas (e.g. air bubbles) trapped by the filter 324 to the vent chamber 220 c (FIG. 3A). In one example, with reference to FIG. 3A, each outlet 330 is in fluid communication with a respective bore 331 defined through a wall 333 that separates the vent chamber 220 c from the reservoir chamber 220 b. With reference back to FIG. 3, the outlet 330 includes a bore 332 and a seal 334. The bore 332 is generally defined near a mid-point of the respective thread 278; however the bore 332 can be defined through the respective thread 278 at any desired location. The bore 332 is generally circular; however, the bore 332 can have any desired shape. The seal 334 generally circumscribes the bore 332, and thus, the seal 334 is generally annular. In one example, the seal 334 comprises an O-ring; however, the seal 334 can comprise any suitable sealing device. The seal 334 creates a seal between the second body section 302 and the wall 333 dividing the vent chamber 220 c and the reservoir chamber 220 b to prevent the flow of fluids into the vent chamber 220 c.

The lock receptacle 328 receives a portion of the lock 232 to secure or lock the connector system 270 to the housing 220. In one example, the lock receptacle 328 is substantially rectangular; however, the lock receptacle 328 can have any desired shape that cooperates with the lock 232 to secure or lock the connector system 270 to the housing 220.

With reference to FIG. 5, the second end 316 defines the counterbore 322. In certain embodiments, a second membrane can be disposed adjacent to or coupled to the second end 316 to enable air to vent from the reservoir chamber 220 b, while preventing fluid from exiting the reservoir chamber 220 b. In one example, the second membrane comprises a fluoropolymeric membrane. Generally, the second membrane has a defined breakthrough pressure, which allows only gas, such as air, to pass through the second membrane, and not liquids.

The vent subsystem 318 is in fluid communication with the annular chamber 320 to transfer the gas captured by the filter 324 from the annular chamber 320 to the vent chamber 220 c of the housing 220. The vent subsystem 318 includes a first conduit 340 and a second conduit 342, which each terminate at a respective outlet 330. Generally, the first conduit 340 is defined on a first side of the second body section 302, and the second conduit 342 is defined on an opposite side of the second body section 302, such that the trapped gas is directed from the annular chamber 320 in at least two different directions to enter the vent chamber 220 c via a respective one of the outlets 330. Although the vent subsystem 318 is described and illustrated herein as comprising two conduits, the first conduit 340 and the second conduit 342, it will be understood that the vent subsystem 318 can include any number of conduits.

Each of the first conduit 340 and the second conduit 342 include a first conduit passage 344, a second conduit passage 346, a third conduit passage 348 and a fourth conduit passage 350. Each of the first conduit passage 344, the second conduit passage 346, the third conduit passage 348 and the fourth conduit passage 350 are in fluid communication to enable the transfer of gas, such as the trapped air, from the annular chamber 320 to the respective outlet 330. The first conduit passage 344 has a first inlet 344 a in fluid communication with the annular chamber 320, such that the filter 324 is adjacent to the first inlet 344 a. The first conduit passage 344 has a first outlet 344 b, which is downstream from the first inlet 344 a. The first conduit passage 344 extends radially outward from the annular chamber 320, and extends along an axis that is substantially transverse, and in one example, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 321.

In this example, a first valve 352 is coupled between the first outlet 344 b, and a second inlet 346 a of the second conduit passage 346. The first valve 352 comprises a suitable one-way valve, including, but not limited to, a poppet valve, a duckbill valve, an umbrella valve, and so on. The first valve 352 permits the flow of the trapped gas from the first outlet 344 b to the second inlet 346 a in a single direction only, thereby preventing or inhibiting a back flow into the first conduit passage 344.

The second conduit passage 346 also includes a second outlet 346 b, which is downstream from the second inlet 346 a. The second outlet 346 b is in fluid communication with a third inlet 348 a of the third conduit passage 348. The second conduit passage 346 extends radially outward from the annular chamber 320, and extends along an axis that is substantially transverse, and in one example, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 321. In this example, the second conduit passage 346 is spaced apart from the first conduit passage 344, and is fluidly coupled to the first conduit passage 344 via the first valve 352.

The third conduit passage 348 includes a third outlet 348 b, which is in fluid communication with a fourth inlet 350 a of the fourth conduit passage 350. The third conduit passage 348 extends substantially along an axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 321.

With reference to FIG. 6, the fourth conduit passage 350 is shown in greater detail. The fourth conduit passage 350 extends along an arc defined by the sidewall 314. The fourth conduit passage 350 includes a fourth outlet 350 b, which is in fluid communication with the bore 332 of the respective outlet 330.

With reference back to FIG. 2, the lock 232 securely couples the connector system 270 to the housing 220. In one example, the lock 232 includes a locking member 360 and a biasing member or spring 362. The locking member 360 is substantially D-shaped, and includes a base 364 and a curved lock arm 366. The locking member 360 is slidably received within a first guide 368 and a second guide 370 defined through a portion of the housing 220. In this example, a respective portion of the curved lock arm 366 is slidably received within a respective one of the first guide 368 and the second guide 370; however, it will be understood that other configurations are possible.

The base 364 is curved, and generally follows a curvature of the housing 220, although it will be understood that the base 364 can be flat or planar. With reference to FIG. 5, the base 364 defines an interior surface 364 a, which is opposite an exterior surface 364 b. The interior surface 364 a is coupled to the curved lock arm 366 and defines a first spring seat 374. The first spring seat 374 receives an end of the spring 362. With reference back to FIG. 2, the exterior surface 364 b provides a contact surface for a user to touch to disengage the lock 232, and thereby release the connector system 270, and the fluid reservoir 256, from the housing 220.

The curved lock arm 366 extends about a perimeter or circumference of the second body section 302 of the connector system 270. In this example, with reference to FIG. 5, the curved lock arm 366 includes a tab 376, which is configured to engage the lock receptacle 328 of the second body section 302 to secure the connector system 270 to the housing 220.

The spring 362 biases the locking member 360 in a first, locked position, as shown in FIG. 5. The spring 362 has a first end, which biases against the first spring seat 374, and a second end, which biases against a second spring seat 378 defined by a portion of the housing 220. Generally, the spring 362 comprises a coil spring composed of a metal or metal alloy, but the spring 362 can comprise any suitable biasing member. The base 364 of the locking member 360 is movable in a direction D from the first, locked position to a second, release position, to compress the spring 362 and thereby release the connector system 270 from the housing 220.

With reference to FIG. 3, with the housing 220 assembled with the power supply 224, the control module 226 and the drive system 228, the fluid reservoir system 230 can be coupled to the housing 220. In one example, a full fluid reservoir 256 is inserted into the housing 220 such that the stopper 262 is adjacent to the projection 252 of the slide 240. The set connector system 214, with the needle 272 and the tube 210 coupled to the connector system 270, is then coupled to the housing 220. In one example, with reference to FIG. 5, the base 364 is moved in the direction D, to define an opening for receipt of the connector system 270. The connector system 270 is inserted into the housing 220 and rotated, by the first body section 300, for example, such that the threads 278 engage the threads 276 a of the housing 220. The connector system 270 is rotated until the arms 326 engage corresponding pockets defined in the reservoir chamber 220 b to couple the connector system 270 to the housing 220. The base 364 of the lock 232 is released, and the spring 362 causes the tab 376 to engage the lock receptacle 328, thereby fixedly coupling or securing the set connector system 214 to the housing 220.

With the set connector system 214 fixedly coupled or secured to the housing 220, the needle 272 pierces the septum 268, thereby defining a fluid flow path for the fluid 265 out of the fluid reservoir 256. With the set connector system 214 coupled to the fluid reservoir 256, one or more control signals from the control module 226 can drive the motor 234, thereby rotating the drive screw 238, which results in the linear translation of the slide 240. The advancement of the slide 240 into the fluid reservoir 256 moves the stopper 262, causing the fluid 265 to flow from the fluid reservoir 256 through the fluid flow path defined by the set connector system 214.

As the fluid flows through the needle 272, the fluid passes through the filter 324. Any gas (e.g. air bubbles) within the fluid is trapped by the filter 324. As the reservoir chamber 220 b is generally operating under a pressure, which is greater than a pressure in the vent chamber 220 c, the trapped gas is drawn through the filter 324 into the first conduit 340 and the second conduit 342. The gas trapped by the filter 324 flows from the filter 324 into the first inlet 344 a of the first conduit passage 344 of each of the first conduit 340 and the second conduit 342. The pressure of the gas in the first conduit passage 344 causes the first valve 352 to open, thereby exhausting the gas from the first conduit passage 344 into the second conduit passage 346. From the second conduit passage 346, the gas flows to the third conduit passage 348 and from the third conduit passage 348 the gas flows into the fourth conduit passage 350. The gas flows from the fourth conduit passage 350 and exits into the bore 332 of the respective outlet 330, before being exhausted into the vent chamber 220 c (FIG. 3A).

In order to remove the set connector system 214, for example, to replace an empty fluid reservoir 256, with reference to FIG. 5, a force can be applied in the direction D to the base 364 to bias the lock 232 into the second, release position. With the lock 232 in the second, release position, the first body section 300 can be rotated to overcome the force of the arms 326, and to uncouple the second body section 302 from the threads 276 a. The connector system 270 can then be removed from the housing 220, and the force can be removed from the base 364. With the force removed from the base 364, the spring 362 returns the lock 232 to the first, locked position.

With reference to FIG. 7, a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a fluid delivery system 400 that includes a portable fluid infusion device 402 and a fluid conduit assembly that takes the form of an infusion set component 404. The infusion set component 404 is coupled to the fluid infusion device 402. The fluid infusion device 402 accommodates a fluid reservoir, such as the fluid reservoir 256 (FIG. 3), for the medication fluid to be delivered to the user. As the fluid infusion device 402 and the infusion set component 404 are substantially similar to the fluid infusion device 202 and the infusion set component 204 discussed with regard to FIGS. 1-6, only the differences in the fluid infusion device 402 and the fluid infusion device 202; and the infusion set component 404 and the infusion set component 204 will be discussed in great detail herein.

The infusion set component 404 includes, without limitation: the tube 210; the infusion unit 212 coupled to the distal end of the tube 210; and a set connector system 414 coupled to the proximal end of the tube 210. The infusion set component 404 defines a fluid flow path that fluidly couples the fluid reservoir to the infusion unit 212. The fluid infusion device 402 is designed to be carried or worn by the patient, and the infusion set component 404 terminates at the infusion unit 212 such that the fluid infusion device 402 can deliver fluid to the body of the patient via the tube 210. The fluid infusion device 402 may leverage a number of conventional features, components, elements, and characteristics of existing fluid infusion devices. For example, the fluid infusion device 402 may incorporate some of the features, components, elements, and/or characteristics described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,485,465 and 7,621,893, the relevant content of which is incorporated by reference herein.

The fluid infusion device 402 includes the user interface 216 and the display 218 coupled to a housing 420. The user interface 216 includes the one or more input devices 222, which can be activated by the user. The housing 420 of the fluid infusion device 202 accommodates the power supply 224 (FIG. 3), the controller or control module 226 (FIG. 3), the drive system 228 (FIG. 3) and a fluid reservoir system 430. Generally, the power supply 224, the control module 226 and the drive system 228 are accommodated in the pump chamber 220 a (FIG. 3) defined by the housing 420, and the fluid reservoir system 430 is accommodated in the reservoir chamber 220 b (FIG. 8) defined by the housing 420. The housing 420 can have any desired shape to accommodate the various components of the fluid infusion device 402, and thus, it will be understood that the shape and configuration of the housing 420 illustrated herein is merely exemplary.

With reference to FIG. 8, the fluid reservoir system 430 includes the fluid reservoir 256 (FIG. 3) and a sealing member 458. The fluid reservoir 256 and the sealing member 458 are each received within an opening defined by the housing 420. The sealing member 458 is coupled about a perimeter of a portion of the set connector system 414 to prevent the ingress of fluids into the reservoir chamber 420 b of the housing 420. In one example, the sealing member 458 comprises an O-ring; however, any suitable device can be used to prevent the ingress of fluids, as known to one skilled in the art. In this example, the sealing member 458 includes a triangular end 458 a and a notched trailing end 458 b. The triangular end 458 a contacts a connector system 470 of the set connector system 414. The notched trailing end 458 b can contact one or more rings 560 associated with the housing 420, as will be discussed in further detail below.

The set connector system 414 includes a connector system 470, the needle 272 and the tube 210. As will be discussed, the connector system 470 couples the needle 272 and the tube 210 to the fluid reservoir 256 (FIG. 3), and includes a vent subsystem 518 to vent trapped gas, for example, air bubbles, which may be contained within the fluid reservoir 256, to an ambient environment surrounding the housing 420. The needle 272 defines a flow path for the fluid 265 out of the fluid reservoir 256, through the connector system 470 and into the tube 210.

In one example, the housing 420 includes a retaining system 476, which couples the set connector system 414 to the fluid reservoir 256 (FIG. 3). In one example, the retaining system 476 comprises one or more rails 476 a. The one or more rails 476 a are defined on opposing walls of the reservoir chamber 220 b, and generally extend along an axis that is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis 421 of the housing 420, and cooperate to receive corresponding grooves 478 defined in the connector system 470 to assist in retaining the connector system 470 within the housing 420. In this example, the reservoir chamber 220 b includes two rails 476 a and the connector system 470 includes two grooves 478, which are spaced apart about a perimeter or circumference of the connector system 470, however, the reservoir chamber 220 b and the connector system 470 can have any number of rails 476 a and grooves 478, respectively. Generally, each groove 478 is defined about the connector system 470 so as to be substantially opposite the other groove 478.

With reference to FIG. 7, the set connector system 414 mates with and couples to the proximal barrel end 266 of the fluid reservoir 256 (FIG. 3), establishing the fluid path from the fluid reservoir 256 to the tube 210. The set connector system 414 is coupled to the housing 420 of the fluid infusion device 202 and to the fluid reservoir 256 (FIG. 3) to seal and secure the fluid reservoir 256 inside the housing 420. Thereafter, actuation of the fluid infusion device 402 causes the medication fluid to be expelled from the fluid reservoir 256, through the infusion set component 204, and into the body of the patient via the infusion unit 212 at the distal end of the tube 210. Accordingly, when the set connector system 414 is installed as depicted in FIG. 7, the tube 210 extends from the fluid infusion device 202 to the infusion unit 212 and the needle 272 provides a fluid pathway to the body of the patient. For the illustrated embodiment, the set connector system 414 is realized as a removable reservoir cap (or fitting) that is suitably sized and configured to accommodate replacement of fluid reservoirs (which are typically disposable) as needed.

With reference to FIG. 8, the connector system 470 of the set connector system 414 is shown in greater detail. In FIG. 8, the connector system 470 is illustrated without the needle 272 and the tube 210 for clarity. The connector system 470 is removably coupled to the housing 420 and retains the fluid reservoir 256 within the housing 420. In this example, the connector system 470 includes a first body section 500 and a second body section 502. Each of the first body section 500 and the second body section 502 are composed of a polymeric material, such as a polycarbonate material, and the first body section 500 and the second body section 502 can each be formed through any suitable technique, such as injection molding, or 3D printing, for example. It should be noted that although the first body section 500 and the second body section 502 are illustrated as being discrete components, the first body section 500 and the second body section 502 can be integrally formed or one-piece (monolithic), if desired.

The first body section 500 includes a graspable portion 504 and defines a bore 506. The graspable portion 504 enables the manipulation of the connector system 470 by a user, to remove or insert the connector system 470, and thus the fluid reservoir 256, from the housing 420. The bore 506 extends from a first end 500 a of the first body section 500 to a second end 500 b of the first body section 500. The bore 506 receives the tube 210 and the needle 272, and generally, the tube 210 is coupled adjacent to the needle 272 within the bore 506 to define the fluid flow path out of the connector system 470. The second end 500 b can also include the one or more tabs 308. In this example, the second end 500 b defines the two tabs 308 a having the first width and the two tabs 308 b having the second width. The two tabs 308 a, 308 b are received in corresponding channels 310 a, 310 b of the second body section 502. The tabs 308 a, 308 b can be fixedly coupled to the channels 310 a, 310 b, via ultrasonic welding, adhesives, etc.

The second body section 502 is received within the housing 420, to retain the fluid reservoir 256 (FIG. 3) within the housing 420. The second body section 502 has a plane of symmetry 503. With reference to FIG. 9, the second body section 502 is generally annular, and includes a first end 512, a sidewall 514, a second end 516 and a vent subsystem 518 (FIG. 8). The first end 512 defines the channels 310 a, 310 b, and also includes an annular chamber 520 (FIG. 8). The channels 310 a, 310 b and the annular chamber 520 may be surrounded by a flange 512 a, which extends upwardly about the perimeter of the second body section 502 from a surface of the first end 512 to provide additional strength to the first body section 500.

With reference to FIG. 8, the annular chamber 520 extends from the first end 512 to an area adjacent to a counterbore 522 of the second end 516. In one example, the annular chamber 520 is coupled to the counterbore 522 via a passageway 520 a, which is sized to receive the needle 272 (FIG. 3). The annular chamber 520 is coaxial with the bore 506, and is coaxial with the passageway 520 a and the counterbore 522 to receive the needle 272 therethrough to define the fluid flow path from the fluid reservoir 256 to the tube 210. Generally, the bore 506, the annular chamber 520, the passageway 520 a and the counterbore 522 extend along an axis that is substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis 421.

In various embodiments, the annular chamber 520 also receives the filter 324. In this example, the needle 272 terminates adjacent to the filter 324, such that the needle 272 and the tube 210 are on opposite sides of the filter 324 to ensure that the fluid exiting the fluid reservoir 256 flows through the filter 324 (FIG. 3). In one example, a minimum volume of the annular chamber 520 is about 0.7 microliters (mL). Generally, the annular chamber 520 has a height that enables the needle 272 to be received within the annular chamber 520 without piercing the filter 324. The annular chamber 520 can be sterilized prior to the insertion of the filter 324, and further, the annular chamber 520 can be plasma treated to increase hydrophilicity, if desired. Generally, the gas (e.g. air bubbles) trapped by the filter 324 is vented from the connector system 470 to the ambient environment external to the housing 220 by the vent subsystem 518, as will be discussed further herein.

With reference back to FIG. 9, the sidewall 514 extends about the perimeter or circumference of the second body section 502, and cooperates with the flange 512 a to define an exterior surface of the second body section 502. The sidewall 514 includes the grooves 478 and one or more outlets 530. In this example, the outlets 530 comprise two outlets 530, which are spaced apart from a respective one of the grooves 478. The grooves 478 are defined through the sidewall 514 from the second end 516 in a direction towards the first end 512.

Each outlet 530 is in fluid communication with the vent subsystem 518 and is in fluid communication with a respective conduit 536 defined through the housing 420 (FIG. 8) to vent the air trapped by the filter 324 to an ambient environment surrounding the housing 420. Each outlet 530 includes a bore 532 and a seal 534. The bore 532 is generally circular; however, the bore 532 can have any desired shape. The seal 534 generally circumscribes the bore 532, and thus, the seal 534 is generally annular. In one example, the seal 534 comprises an O-ring; however, the seal 534 can comprise any suitable sealing device. The seal 534 creates a seal between the second body section 302 and the reservoir chamber 420 b to ensure that the trapped gas passes into the conduit 536 (FIG. 8).

With reference to FIG. 8, a membrane 538 substantially surrounds the outlets 530 and the conduit 536. The membrane 538 is positioned between each of the outlets 530 and each of the conduits 536 to assist in removing gas trapped in the reservoir chamber 220 b. In one example, the membrane 538 comprises a fluoropolymeric membrane. Generally, the membrane 538 has a defined breakthrough pressure, which allows only gas, such as air, to pass through the membrane 538, and not liquids. The second end 516 defines the counterbore 522.

The vent subsystem 518 is in fluid communication with the annular chamber 520 to transfer the gas captured by the filter 324 from the annular chamber 520 to the conduits 536 of the housing 420. The vent subsystem 518 includes a first conduit 540 and a second conduit 542, which each terminate at a respective outlet 530. Generally, the first conduit 540 is defined on a first side of the second body section 502, and the second conduit 542 is defined on an opposite side of the second body section 502, such that the trapped gas is directed from the annular chamber 520 in at least two different directions to enter the conduits 536 via a respective one of the outlets 530. Although the vent subsystem 518 is described and illustrated herein as comprising two conduits, the first conduit 540 and the second conduit 542, it will be understood that the vent subsystem 518 can include any number of conduits.

Each of the first conduit 540 and the second conduit 542 include the first conduit passage 344, the second conduit passage 346 and the third conduit passage 348. Each of the first conduit passage 344, the second conduit passage 346 and the third conduit passage 348 are in fluid communication to enable the transfer of gas, such as the trapped air, from the annular chamber 520 to the respective outlet 530. In this example, the first valve 352 is coupled between the first outlet 344 b, and the second inlet 346 a of the second conduit passage 346. The third conduit passage 348 includes the third outlet 348 b, which is in fluid communication with the bore 532 of the respective outlet 530.

The conduits 536 are defined on substantially opposite sides of the housing 420, and extend from the reservoir chamber 420 b to an exterior surface 420 a of the housing 420. The conduits 536 include a conduit inlet 536 a, which is fluidly coupled to the respective outlet 530 to receive the trapped gas from the filter 324. The conduits 536 also include a conduit outlet 536 b, which is defined at the exterior surface 420 a of the housing 420. In one example, a second valve 550 is received substantially entirely through each of the conduits 536. The second valve 550 comprises a suitable one-way valve, including, but not limited to, a poppet valve, a duckbill valve, an umbrella valve, and so on. The second valve 550 permits the flow of the trapped gas from the conduit inlet 536 a to the conduit outlet 536 b and into the ambient environment in a single direction only, thereby preventing or inhibiting a back flow of fluids, including liquids and gasses, into the reservoir chamber 420 b.

With reference to FIG. 10, the housing 420 also includes one or more rings 560 that cooperate to securely couple the connector system 470 to the reservoir chamber 420 b, and thus, the housing 420. In FIG. 10, the tube 210 and the infusion unit 212 are removed for clarity, and a portion of the housing 420 is illustrated in phantom. In this example, with reference to FIG. 10A, the one or more rings 560 comprise a release ring 562, a compliance ring 564, a retainer ring 566 and an anchoring ring 568 (FIG. 8).

The release ring 562 extends about a circumference of the first body section 500. With reference to FIG. 8, the release ring 562 includes a collar 570 and a tab 572 defined about an exterior surface of the release ring 562. The collar 570 provides a grasping surface for a user to manipulate the release ring 562, and the tab 572 cooperates with the retainer ring 566 to couple or decouple the connector system 470 from the housing 420. The release ring 562 also includes a ledge 574 defined about an inner surface of the release ring 562. The ledge 574 cooperates with a lip 512 b of the flange 512 a to couple the first body section 500 to the release ring 562. The release ring 562 can be composed of any suitable material, and in one example, the release ring 562 is composed of a polycarbonate polymeric material. It should be noted, however, that the release ring 562 can be composed of any suitable material, such as a polymer, metal or ceramic material. The release ring 562 can be molded as one piece, or can be printed, via 3D printing, for example.

The compliance ring 564 surrounds the first body section 500 when the connector system 470 is coupled to the housing 420. The compliance ring 564 is substantially L-shaped in cross-section. The compliance ring 564 can be composed of any suitable material, and in one example, the compliance ring 564 is composed of a polymeric material. In one example, the compliance ring 564 is composed of a polymeric, rubber-like material, such as a polyurethane thermoplastic material. The compliance ring 564 can be molded as one piece, or can be printed, via 3D printing, for example. With reference to FIG. 10, the compliance ring 564 includes a first leg 564 a, which is substantially perpendicular to a second leg 564 b. The second leg 564 b of the compliance ring 564 can include a projection 576. The projection 576 cooperates with a notch 578 of the housing 420 to couple or secure the compliance ring 564 to the housing 420.

The retainer ring 566 retains the release ring 562 when the release ring 562 is coupled to the housing 420. With reference to FIG. 8, the retainer ring 566 is substantially annular, and includes a protrusion 580 at a first end, which mates with the tab 572 to retain the release ring 562. With reference to FIGS. 10 and 10A, at a second end, the retainer ring 566 includes one or more tabs 582, which are spaced apart about a perimeter or circumference of the retainer ring 566. The tabs 582 cooperate with an end of the second leg 564 b of the compliance ring 564, and generally support the compliance ring 564 within the housing 420. The retainer ring 566 includes a body section, defined between the first end and the second end, which extends along an axis substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis 421. The retainer ring 566 can be composed of any suitable material, and in one example, the retainer ring 566 is composed of a polymeric material, including, but not limited to, polyurethane thermoplastic material. It should be noted, however, that the retainer ring 566 can also be composed of a metal or a ceramic material, if desired. The retainer ring 566 can be molded as one piece, through a suitable forming operation.

With reference to FIG. 8, the anchoring ring 568 secures or locks the connector system 470 within the housing 420. With reference to FIG. 10A, the anchoring ring 568 defines a plurality of elbow-shaped portions, which are interconnected in a pattern to define a circumferential ring. The anchoring ring 568 can include a plurality of first legs 568 a angled relative to a respective one of a plurality of second legs 568 b by about 90 degrees to about 160 degrees, and in one example, the respective first leg 568 a is angled relative to the respective second leg 568 b by about 135 degrees. Generally, a respective one of the plurality of second legs 568 b is coupled to two of the plurality of first legs 568 a, such that a slot 568 c is defined between adjacent portions of the second leg 568 b. Thus, the anchoring ring 568 also defines a plurality of slots 568 c. In addition, the anchoring ring 568 defines a plurality of slots 568 d, which are formed about a perimeter or circumference of the anchoring ring 568 to define the plurality of first legs 568 a.

Generally, with reference to FIG. 8, each of the first legs 568 a and the second legs 568 b have substantially the same length, and each extend about a perimeter or circumference of the first body section 500 when the first body section 500 is coupled to the housing 420. The first leg 568 a generally contacts the body of the retainer ring 566, and is positioned below the protrusion 580. The second leg 568 b is adjacent to and contacts the sealing member 458. The anchoring ring 568 can be composed of any suitable material, and in one example, the anchoring ring 568 is composed of a metal material, including, but not limited to, stainless steel. It will be understood, however, that the anchoring ring 568 can be composed of a polymeric material, such as a polycarbonate; and can also be composed of a ceramic material, if desired. The anchoring ring 568 can be formed as one piece, through a suitable forming operation, for example, 3D printing, stamping, etc.

With reference to FIG. 7, with the housing 420 assembled with the power supply 224, the control module 226 and the drive system 228 (FIG. 3), the fluid reservoir system 430 can be coupled to the housing 420. With reference to FIG. 8, the release ring 562, the compliance ring 564, the retainer ring 566, the anchoring ring 568 and the sealing member 458 are all positioned within and coupled to the reservoir chamber 220 b of the housing 420. With the fluid reservoir 256 coupled to the housing 420, the set connector system 414 (FIG. 7), with the needle 272 and the tube 210 coupled to the connector system 470, is coupled to the housing 420. In one example, the connector system 470 is inserted into the release ring 562. The contact between the lip 512 b and the notch 578 drives the release ring 562 in a direction D3. The downward movement of the release ring 562 causes the second leg 568 b to engage the tab 572 of the release ring 562, thereby securely coupling the connector system 470 to the housing 420.

With reference to FIG. 7, with the set connector system 414 fixedly coupled or secured to the housing 220, the fluid flow path for the fluid 265 out of the fluid reservoir 256 is defined. With the set connector system 414 coupled to the fluid reservoir 256 (FIG. 3), one or more control signals from the control module 226 can drive the motor 234, thereby rotating the drive screw 238, which results in the linear translation of the slide 240 (FIG. 3). The advancement of the slide 240 into the fluid reservoir 256 moves the stopper 262, causing the fluid 265 to flow from the fluid reservoir 256 through the fluid flow path defined by the set connector system 414.

As the fluid flows through the needle 272, the fluid passes through the filter 324. Any gas (e.g. air bubbles) within the fluid is trapped by the filter 324. As the reservoir chamber 420 b is generally operating under a pressure, which is greater than a pressure in the ambient environment exterior to and surrounding the housing 420, the trapped gas is drawn through the filter 324 into the first conduit 340 and the second conduit 342. The gas trapped by the filter 324 flows from the filter 324 into the first inlet 344 a of the first conduit passage 344 of each of the first conduit 340 and the second conduit 342. The pressure of the gas in the first conduit passage 344 causes the first valve 352 to open, thereby exhausting the gas from the first conduit passage 344 into the second conduit passage 346. From the second conduit passage 346, the gas flows to the third conduit passage 348 and exits into the bore 532 of the respective outlet 530. The pressure of the gas at the respective outlet 530 causes the second valve 550 to open, allowing the trapped gas to flow from the vent subsystem 518 through the conduit 536, where the trapped gas is exhausted into the ambient environment exterior to and surrounding the housing 420.

In order to remove the connector system 470, for example, to replace an empty fluid reservoir 256, with reference to FIG. 8, a second force can be applied in the direction D3 to cause the anchoring ring 568 to be pushed outward toward the retainer ring 566 and the compliance ring 564, thereby disengaging the anchoring ring 568 from the tab 572 of the release ring 562. With the anchoring ring 568 disengaged, the connector system 470 can be removed from the housing 420.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claimed subject matter in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the described embodiment or embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope defined by the claims, which includes known equivalents and foreseeable equivalents at the time of filing this patent application. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A set connector system for venting a gas from a fluid reservoir of a fluid infusion device, comprising: a connector system having a first body section coupled to a second body section, the first body section defining a bore in communication with a chamber and a counterbore of the second body section to define a fluid flow path from the fluid reservoir, the chamber of the second body section in fluid communication with a vent subsystem defined through the second body section, the vent subsystem terminating in an outlet, and the vent subsystem directs gas in the fluid flow path through the second body section to the outlet.
 2. The set connector system of claim 1, wherein the chamber is annular, and includes a filter in communication with the fluid flow path that filters the gas from fluid in the fluid flow path to remove the gas that is trapped in the fluid in the fluid flow path.
 3. The set connector system of claim 1, wherein the outlet is defined in a thread that at least partially surrounds the second body section.
 4. The set connector system of claim 1, wherein the outlet is in fluid communication with a conduit defined in a housing associated with the fluid infusion device to vent the gas to an ambient environment external to the housing.
 5. The set connector system of claim 4, wherein the conduit includes a one-way valve that inhibits the flow of fluids into the housing.
 6. The set connector system of claim 1, wherein the fluid infusion device includes a housing having a first chamber and a second chamber, with the fluid reservoir removably received within the first chamber, and the outlet is in fluid communication with the second chamber to vent the gas to the second chamber.
 7. The set connector system of claim 1, further comprising a lock that at least partially surrounds a portion of the connector system to securely couple the connector system to a housing associated with the fluid infusion device.
 8. The set connector system of claim 7, wherein the lock is slidably coupled to the housing, the lock is movable between a first, locked position and a second, release position, and the lock is biased into the first, locked position.
 9. The set connector system of claim 1, further comprising at least one ring disposed within a housing of the fluid infusion device that cooperates with the connector system to securely couple the connector system to the housing.
 10. The set connector system of claim 9, wherein the at least one ring comprises a plurality of rings, with one of the plurality of rings coupled to the connector system and movable relative to the other of the plurality of rings to securely couple the connector system to the housing.
 11. The set connector system of claim 1, wherein the vent subsystem comprises a plurality of conduit passages, with at least one valve fluidly coupled between one of the plurality of conduit passages and another of the plurality of conduit passages, and the at least one valve comprises a one-way valve.
 12. A fluid infusion device, comprising: a housing that receives a fluid reservoir; and a set connector system for venting a gas from the fluid reservoir, the set connector system including a connector system having a first body section coupled to a second body section, the first body section defining a bore, the second body section including a counterbore that receives a portion of the fluid reservoir, the bore of the first body section and the counterbore of the second body section cooperate to define a fluid flow path from the fluid reservoir, the second body section including a vent subsystem in communication with the fluid flow path that terminates in an outlet, and the vent subsystem directs gas in the fluid flow path to the outlet.
 13. The fluid infusion device of claim 12, wherein the second body section defines a chamber in fluid communication with the bore of the first body section and the counterbore, the chamber is in communication with the vent subsystem and the chamber includes a filter in communication with the fluid flow path that filters the gas from fluid in the fluid flow path to remove the gas that is trapped in the fluid in the fluid flow path.
 14. The fluid infusion device of claim 12, wherein the outlet is defined in a thread that at least partially surrounds the second body section, the thread mating with a corresponding thread defined on the housing.
 15. The fluid infusion device of claim 12, wherein the outlet is in fluid communication with a conduit defined through the housing to vent the gas to an ambient environment external to the housing.
 16. The fluid infusion device of claim 15, wherein the conduit includes a one-way valve that inhibits the flow of fluids into the housing.
 17. The fluid infusion device of claim 12, wherein the housing defines a first chamber and a second chamber, the fluid reservoir is removably received within the first chamber, and the outlet is in fluid communication with the second chamber to vent the gas to the second chamber.
 18. The fluid infusion device of claim 12, further comprising a lock that at least partially surrounds a portion of the connector system to securely couple the connector system to the housing.
 19. The fluid infusion device of claim 12, further comprising at least one ring disposed within the housing that cooperates with the connector system to securely couple the connector system to the housing.
 20. The fluid infusion device of claim 12, wherein the vent subsystem comprises a plurality of conduit passages, with at least one valve fluidly coupled between one of the plurality of conduit passages and another of the plurality of conduit passages, and the at least one valve comprises a one-way valve. 